Two NASA astronauts, Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore, will celebrate Thanksgiving together aboard the International Space Station (ISS) this Thursday, marking 176 days in zero gravity. Their holiday meal will include traditional favorites such as smoked turkey, candied yams, dressing, macaroni and cheese, and a cranberry dessert.
While the astronauts will be enjoying a festive menu, the food will come in dehydrated pouches. To enjoy their meal, they will need to rehydrate the food and heat it up. This unique dining experience is a reminder of the challenges faced in space, where food preparation is not as straightforward as it is on Earth.
Aaron Persad, who assists NASA with meal planning, noted that the textures of these space foods may differ significantly from the ones we typically savor at Thanksgiving. Most items will likely have a mushy consistency, which is quite different from the traditional feast.
The astronauts’ nutritional intake has come under increased scrutiny as health professionals monitor their well-being. Concerns were raised after a recent image showed Williams appearing noticeably thinner, prompting discussions about her overall health in a weightless environment. Williams addressed the concerns, characterizing them as rumors and attributing her appearance to the natural fluid shifts caused by being in space.
Despite being scheduled for only an eight-day mission, technical issues with their Boeing Starliner spacecraft have left Williams and Wilmore stranded in orbit. The Starliner safely returned to Earth without them, further complicating their situation.
As they approach the six-month mark on the ISS, both astronauts remain optimistic and are focusing on maintaining their calorie intake. Experts emphasize the importance of their diet, stating that they need to consume around 3,000 calories daily to stay healthy.
While enjoying their Thanksgiving meal, the astronauts understand the importance of their food intake for their physical well-being. A SpaceX flight is expected to bring them back to Earth in February.
